Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Welcomes the Great Northern Road Run to Omagh

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to support the upcoming vintage steam rally, which will bring a unique and visually striking spectacle to the district this June.

As part of a wider event travelling through Tyrone, this impressive gathering of historic machinery will give residents and visitors the opportunity to experience an important part of engineering heritage at close hand.

On Friday 26 June, working steam engines will make their way into Omagh Town Centre going on display at Hotel Rue Car Park from 12 noon to 4pm. This promises to be a memorable occasion, with these magnificent machines showcasing the power, craftsmanship and innovation of a bygone era.

Live music, beginning at 1pm, will add to the atmosphere and create a vibrant and welcoming experience for all to enjoy.  The Steam Engines will then make their way out the Gortin Road to Glenpark Estate where they will stay for the evening, before making the final leg of their journey over the Sperrins and finishing in Plumbridge on Saturday 27 June.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said:

“We are delighted to support this fantastic event and to welcome these remarkable working steam engines to Omagh.

Events like this highlight the rich heritage of steam engines and railways, which played such an important role in shaping Tyrone and the wider region.

It is fitting that this rally links with the ‘Railways That Shaped Tyrone’ exhibition at Strule Arts Centre, providing a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to engage with our shared history in an interactive and enjoyable way.”

Event Organiser, Alphie McGarvey of ‘Celtic Steamers’ said:

“This will be a first for Omagh and Tyrone, and it will be a spectacular sight to see up to 20 steam engines fuelled by coal and water. Some of the engines are up to 150 years old, and it takes crews of around 60 people to keep them moving as they make their way through Omagh and the Gortin Glens. The engines are travelling from across Ireland and the UK, the event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this important part of our heritage. In the early part of the last century, Omagh Council had a fleet of steam engines working on our roads and helping to build our towns.”

The event provides a valuable opportunity to celebrate steam heritage and the vital role it played in shaping local industry and transport networks. It also complements the current ‘Railways That Shaped Tyrone’ exhibition at Strule Arts Centre developed by Railway Enthusiast Tony McGartland and the team at Headhunters Railway Museum, offering visitors a deeper insight into the history and legacy of rail and personal look at Tyrone’s transport heritage.

Everyone is encouraged to come along, enjoy the spectacle, speak with the engine owners to learn more about these fascinating machines, and take part in a guided tour of the Strule Arts Centre exhibition.

Local schools are also invited to attend and experience this unique educational opportunity first-hand.

For more information log onto https://www.fermanaghomagh.com/events-and-festivals/